Aqib Talib Suspended Four Games For Performance Enhancing Drugs

Aqib Talib will miss the next four Tampa Bay Buccaneers games, as he's been suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

Aqib Talib appears to have taken Adderall without a subscription earlier this year. Adderall is commonly used to treat ADHD, but can also be used to mask steroid use(turns out that's not true) it is an amphetamine, so it is a stimulant. The cornerback will miss the games against the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders. He should return to the field on November 11 when the Bucs face the San Diego Chargers.

The Bucs released the following statement from Talib:

"Around the beginning of training camp, I made a mistake by taking an Adderall pill without a prescription. This is especially regrettable because, for the past several months, with Coach Schiano's help, I've worked very hard to improve myself -- professionally and personally -- as a player and a man. I am truly sorry to my teammates, coaches and Buccaneers fans, and I'm disappointed in myself. I will work diligently every day of this suspension to stay in top football shape and be ready to help this team in the second half of the season. I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation I put myself in, which is why I will not exercise my appeal rights and will begin serving the suspension immediately."

Head coach Greg Schiano had a few words to add as well:

"We are disappointed to learn that Aqib Talib will be suspended for four games, which will begin with our game tomorrow against Kansas City. I have spoken with Aqib, and he knows that he made a poor decision that let our team down. Certainly, other players will have the opportunity to step up while he serves this suspension."

With Aqib Talib sidelined, the Buccaneers will be forced to lean more heavily on free-agent acquisition Eric Wright, as well as presumable new starter E.J. Biggers. Brandon McDonald has seen extensive playing time as a nickel and dime cornerback and should continue to get a significant number of snaps in Talib's absence, while Myron Lewisand rookies Leonard Johnson and Keith Tandy could contribute as well. Finally, Ronde Barber could be moved back from safety to cornerback, with Ahmad Black taking over as free safety.

According to Brian McIntyre, the suspension will cost him $435,882 in salary.

Talib is in the final year of his contract, and appeared to be en route to earning a new contract with the Bucs, having put numerous off-field issues behind him. This suspension won't help him in negotiations, but it's not clear that Tampa Bay will shy away from the cornerback. Talib is certainly talented enough to be with the Bucs in the long term, but whether he's worth the trouble remains to be seen.